Korean rice cakes are different from the rice cakes you may be used to. They’re called “cakes” because they are dense and solid, almost like a cake. But these Korean rice cakes also have a lot of health benefits. These traditional snacks are made from glutinous or sweet rice, which is ground into flour, mixed with water and salt, then left to ferment for up to 10 days before being cooked again. The fermentation process is what gives them their unique flavors, textures, and nutrients. In Korea, they’re often served as a side dish with meals or as an appetizer before drinking alcohol. In fact, Koreans eat so much of this snack that it has been nicknamed “the fifth meal” among locals! That makes sense when you learn about the nutritional value of these little cakes – in just one serving (about 50 grams) there are about 120 calories and 5 grams of protein. Here’s what you need to know about Korean rice cakes and if they are healthy.
Are Korean Rice Cakes Healthy?
There’s no definitive answer, as it depends on the ingredients you use. But generally speaking, risotto can be a healthy dish if made with whole grain Arborio rice, low-fat or vegan cheese, and plenty of vegetables. You could also add lean protein like shrimp or chicken for an extra boost of nutrients. Just be mindful of how much oil you use to cook the rice, and avoid adding too much salt. With a little bit of creativity, risotto can be a delicious and healthy meal option!
What’s In Korean Rice Cakes?
1. They’re Glutinous Or Sweet Rice
Korean rice cakes are made from glutinous or sweet rice, which is ground into flour, mixed with water and salt, then left to ferment for up to 10 days before being cooked again. They are also called “sweet rice pancakes” in Korea. The fermentation process gives them their unique flavors, textures, and nutrients. In Korea, they’re often served as a side dish with meals or as an appetizer before drinking alcohol. In fact, Koreans eat so much of this snack that it has been nicknamed “the fifth meal” among locals! That makes sense when you learn about the nutritional value of these little cakes – in just one serving (about 50 grams) there are about 120 calories and 5 grams of protein. Here’s what you need to know about Korean rice cakes:
2. They’re High In Protein
Korean rice cakes are high in protein – they contain 5 grams per serving. This is because they are made of glutinous or sweet rice, which is a high-protein grain. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium.
3. They’re High In Fibre
Korean rice cakes also have a lot of fiber – they contain about 5 grams per serving. This is because they are made from glutinous or sweet rice, which is high in dietary fiber. In fact, this type of grain has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease! Another bonus: eating more fiber can help prevent constipation, which can lead to bloating and gas!
4. They’re Very Low On Calories
Korean rice cakes are low in calories – about 120 calories per serving (that’s about 50 grams). This makes them a healthy snack to munch on for a snack attack or between meals!
5. They’re Low On Fat
These little cakes are also low in fat. They contain about 0.5 grams of fat per serving (that’s about one-third of your daily recommended intake). This is because they are made from glutinous or sweet rice, which has a low amount of fat, and are cooked with water for the final step to make them soft and chewy.
6. They’re High In Fibre
Korean rice cakes are high in dietary fiber – about 5 grams per serving. This is because they are made from glutinous or sweet rice, which has a high amount of dietary fiber. In fact, this type of grain has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease! Another bonus: eating more fiber can help prevent constipation, which can lead to bloating and gas!
Are Korean Rice Cakes Healthy?
1. Glutinous Rice: Glutinous rice is a type of rice that has a very high “gluten” content. Glutinous rice is high in fiber and protein, as well as is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin B1 (thiamine).
2. Water: It’s the main ingredient in all rice cakes and is often used as a substitute for milk or cream, similar to how people use water to create mayonnaise. Water also increases the moisture content of the final product.
3. Salt: Like milk, salt is used as an ingredient to increase moisture levels in the final product. Salt also helps preserve the product by preventing it from spoiling faster than it would otherwise do so.
4. Fermentation: The fermentation process is what gives them their unique flavors, textures, and nutrients according to the experts at Korean Food Institute (KFI). The process involves mixing liquid with ground glutinous rice flour and allowing it to ferment for up to 10 days before cooking again.
5. Flour: Flour is added after fermentation to create a thicker consistency and add even more flavor and texture!
6. Yeast: The fermentation process also allows the yeast to grow in the product, which gives it its characteristic flavor and texture.
Are Korean Rice Cakes Good For You?
1. Glutinous Rice Cakes Can Be Filled With Flour
Korean rice cakes, or “Jeon” in Korean, are made from glutinous or sweet rice flour. Glutinous rice is a type of short-grain rice that has a sticky consistency, making it perfect for use in making these snacks. This means that you can fill the cakes with flour, which makes them more nutritious and gives them a better texture. If you have trouble finding glutinous rice flour at your local grocery store, feel free to substitute it with regular white flour. You can also add some sugar and salt to the mixture if you like, but this is not necessary as the fermentation process will naturally add some sweetness and salt to the mix.
2. They Are Delicious With Honey
Another delicious way to enjoy these traditional snacks is by filling them with honey (or any other sweetener of your choice). The fermented glutinous rice will absorb the sweetness from whatever you put inside, so you can enjoy the sweet taste of honey without the extra calories.
3. They Provide A Good Source Of Fibers
The fermentation process naturally releases a lot of beneficial fibers from the rice that give these snacks a good source of dietary fiber. This also makes them easier to digest, which is good for your digestive system and helps prevent constipation. The gluten-free flour used in making these cakes also has very few carbohydrates and other unhealthy ingredients, so you can feel good about eating them even if you’re on a diet.
4. They Are Low In Calories And Fat
Korean rice cakes are very low in calories and fat, with each serving containing only about 50 grams (about 5 ounces) on average. That’s less than one-third of your daily recommended intake of both calories and fat! This makes them perfect as an afternoon snack or as an appetizer before drinking alcohol or eating heavy meals at night. The small amount of fat in these snacks also helps to keep your cholesterol levels low, which is a good thing for your heart.
5. They Are Low In Sodium
The amount of sodium in the rice cakes is fairly low, so even if you add honey to the mix, you’ll still be able to enjoy them without worrying about consuming too much sodium. This can be especially helpful for people who are trying to lower their sodium intake as part of a healthy diet plan.
Are There Any Problems With Korean Rice Cakes?
1. They Are Gluten-Free
Korean rice cakes are gluten-free and have a very low glycemic index. This means that they won’t cause blood sugar spikes and will help you maintain a healthy level of energy throughout the day.
2. They Are High In Fiber
This healthy snack is high in fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system working properly. In fact, Koreans consume more than 20 grams of fiber per day from these snacks!
3. They Are Low In Sugar And Calories
The traditional recipes for Korean rice cakes use only two to five ingredients, meaning that you can enjoy the health benefits without any added sugars or fats!
4. They Have Lots Of Vitamin B12 And Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
These little snacks also contain lots of vitamin B12 and thiamin (vitamin B1), which are essential for promoting brain health, helping you stay alert during the day, and keeping your energy levels up.
5. They Are High In Fiber And Iron
Korean rice cakes are also high in fiber and iron, which will help to keep your digestive system working properly, help you feel fuller longer, control your appetite and boost your metabolism.
Conclusion
So, are Korean rice cakes healthy? Yes, they are. In fact, they are very nutritious and can have many health benefits. They are full of B vitamins and have anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help regulate your blood sugar levels and boost your metabolism. If you’re trying to improve your diet and eat healthier, these rice cakes are a great place to start. They are very easy to make and can be served as a side dish with any meal, or as an appetizer before a meal.
